Montréal, métropole universitaire: a forum to reflect on the importance of universities in the Greater Montréal region

MONTREAL, Dec. 14, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - On February 4, Montréal's universities, in collaboration with the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, will initiate a discussion on the role and contribution of university institutions in the Greater Montréal area. To listen to the needs and expectations of their partners, nine universities will invite members of the metropolitan community to take part in a forum in preparation for the Sommet sur l'enseignement supérieur, enabling a large number of stakeholders from all sectors to participate and have their say.

In recent weeks, many of these actors have stressed the importance of the mobilization initiative launched by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and are looking to enrich the discussion within the Greater Montréal community.

"The primary goal of the Montréal, métropole universitaire  event is to clearly establish the crucial role of universities for the future of our city and Quebec, and ensure that we can effectively support them. Our premier universities contribute to the well-being and prosperity of Quebecers through cutting-edge training, world-class scientific research, and an influence on all sectors: financial, social, cultural, artistic, technological and industrial," stated Ms. Louise Roy, Chancellor and Chair of the Board of Directors of Université de Montréal and co-spokesperson for the event.

"Universities drive the economy of knowledge and nurture skilled labour. Through their contribution to research and their knowledge transfer activities, they are also a primary component of industrial research and development strategies. This is particularly true for a knowledge-based economy such as that of the Montréal metropolitan area," added Mr. Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and co-spokesperson for the event.

The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, which has the logistical and organizational capacity to hold these types of engaging events, agreed to organize this forum in collaboration with the École de technologie supérieure, École nationale d'administration publique, Polytechnique Montréal, HEC Montréal, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Concordia University, Université de Montréal, Université du Québec à Montréal, and McGill University.

The Montréal, métropole universitaire forum will allow participants to better understand the impact that universities have on the metropolis, express their expectations towards our Montréal-region universities, and define their vision of the future for the metropolis.

More information about the event program will be made available shortly.

SOURCE: Les universités de Montréal

David Barrett
514-286-2145, extension 224 or [email protected]